Merhaba!

To say Cara and I started off our time in Turkey with a bang would be a bit of an understatement.  From malfunctioning bag zippers to payphones not working to me (Steph) chasing down a bus at the airport with Cara and all of our belongings already on it, I would say we arrived in Istanbul in true Cara and Steph style.  We were incredibly thankful for generous locals who allowed us the quick use of their cell phone when we were in a pinch and befriended us in our time of need and confusion.  We spent 3 short but very sweet days with friends of ours who are there working with refugees.  They kindly hosted us in their beautiful apartment and showed us the fascinating city they call home.  We tried a variety of amazing Turkish food, saw some of the well known sights, walked a ton, rode the ferry, took in the vast diversity of the city and drank lots of chai tea.  What I enjoyed most of all was the rich time of hearing our friends share their highs and lows of living and working cross-culturally. Our time of worship and prayer with was a highlight as well.  The time felt too short, but our hearts were full as we left.  We hope and pray it was a mutually encouraging time for all!



A view from the ferry


Enjoying a tradional Turkish meal

Touch The Sky

"My heart beating, my soul breathing
I found my life when I laid it down
Upward falling, spirit soaring
I touch the sky when my knees hit the ground"
-Hillsong UNITED

Guten Tag

Beauty surrounds us in the rolling hills of Germany and Switzerland.  We arrived safe and sound with our friends in Germany and were greeted by three beautiful kiddos full of love and glee.  We've spent our time (after recovering from jetlag) jumping on the trampoline, lots of cuddles, exploring castles filled with mazes, visiting cathedrals in Freiburg, getting to picnic near the Swiss alps, enjoying the sounds and smells of the local festival, splashing in every body of water we can find and most of all taking in time around the table with this precious family.  The love and care the Moore's have for one another is truly beautiful and it has been such a joy to see Germany through their lens!

Moore family near Lucern, Switzerland. Can you see the Alps?

Richard and Simone (our lovely hosts) in a chalet near their home.

                                         Lydia being the princess she in a Roetteln castle.

                                           Enjoying ice cream in Freiburg. Yum!

                                          Hugs with our sweet friend Ana!

We love Ana hugs!

The End and The Beginning

This week marks the end of my time here in South Carolina. A five year chapter of my story that has produced much growth. I am forever grateful to my selfless friends and mentors who have poured into little 'ol me. The experiences both joyful and challenging have all contributed to my character shaping and I am thankful. Most of all I give praise to the G-d of the Universe who has given me the upward call to follow him wherever he leads.

As I embark on my journey to Europe with my friend Steph and then forward to Boston, I pack in my suitcase lessons learned about love, forgiveness, trust and the joy of knowing Christ.  By the grace I have been given, I am free to fall, free to fail and free to soar. With my G-d there is only one direction to go...up.